“One problem I run into when practicing is how to practice without a marimba. This would be especially helpful to me as I can’t afford a marimba; the only time I can practice is at school. If you could tell me how to overcome this obstacle, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the Idea!

I think I will make this into an episode!

There are two main things that you can do. The first, is learn your music on a piano keyboard (the best you can) You can even try to use just 4 fingers instead of all 10.

In fact, the better you get at piano the better your marimba playing will be. I wish I had practiced more piano before college because we had trombone players and french horn players who could sight read music that took me weeks to learn because they had a piano background.

Another thing you can do is practice your 4 mallet strokes on the floor. When I was in drum corps I used to practice sitting on the floor of the laundry mat on laundry day. In fact, this is a great way to build chops because you’re focused on only technique and not hitting the right notes.